LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Superintendent's Spotlight Message 04/16/2025. Dear Linden Families, Spring is in full swing—and so is our Tiger momentum. Please note that Spring Recess begins tomorrow, Thursday, April 17, with a half-day for students, and no lunch served. We look forward to welcoming everyone back, recharged, refreshed, and ready to finish the school year strong, on Monday, April 28. Districtwide testing begins Tuesday, April 29, at the high school, with assessments continuing into May for all grade levels. While school may be out, our gratitude continues to grow. During National Volunteer Week, we recognize the many volunteers, especially our parents, who uplift our schools through their time, talents, and commitment. From classroom help and PTA leadership to field trip chaperones and event support, your involvement makes a powerful impact on our students and staff. Thank you for being the roots of our success. Throughout April, we proudly celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, which began with World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. In Linden, we are committed to fostering a culture of empathy, inclusion, and understanding—this month and every month. From classroom discussions to district-wide initiatives, we continue to recognize the unique brilliance of every learner. In Linden, spring isn’t just a season—it’s a spirit. A spirit of growth, giving, leadership, and excellence. Thank you for the important decisions you make every day to support your child’s journey and our shared mission. Together, we continue to bloom. Happy Spring Break. Take care, Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins. Atiya Y. Perkins, Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools.

Superintendent's Spotlight Message 03/30/2025. Dear Linden Families, Today, on our last Sunday of March, we remind you that there is no school tomorrow, March 31, in celebration of Eid al-Fitr, also known as‎‎ the “festival of breaking of the fast,” an important religious holiday. We return on Tuesday, welcoming April and the promise of spring. While we navigate the final quarter of our academic year, our counseling teams continue to develop resources to help manage testing anxiety, and we are scheduling additional wellness activities throughout April. Remember that small breaks, physical activity, and healthy sleep routines significantly impact well-being and academic performance. Here is a look ahead for April.... • Autism Acceptance Month and I am proud of our ongoing work to create genuinely inclusive learning environments. Our special education teams continue to implement practices that recognize neurodiversity. When we design classrooms that work for all learners, everyone benefits. • National Poetry Month; our language arts teachers have planned exciting activities that invite students to find their creative voice. Poetry is not just for English class—you will see mathematical poetry, scientific verses, and historical narratives throughout our buildings this month. • Financial Literacy Month is an excellent opportunity to strengthen essential life skills. Several of our departments are collaborating on real-world applications of financial concepts. I encourage families to extend these conversations at home by discussing household budgeting, saving strategies, and responsible financial decision-making. • Earth Day arrives on April 22; our science classes and environmental clubs will lead initiatives to enhance sustainability practices. From campus clean-ups to energy awareness students are developing the knowledge and skills to become environmental stewards. Spring weather brings renewed importance to our emergency preparedness. Remind new drivers to remain vigilant, as more people tend to be outdoors. We have scheduled our crisis drills and updated our emergency communication systems. Your family's awareness of these procedures is essential—please review your home safety protocol and your child's school information and ensure your contact details are current in Genesis. As always, I welcome your feedback and partnership. On behalf of the Linden Board of Education, they are holding a special Board of Education Meeting on April 1 at 6:00 pm to discuss the Uniform Modes of Dress Board Policy. Continue to be the voice of education, and I look forward to engaging with you throughout your student’s educational experience. Take care, Atiya Y. Perkins, Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools

Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff, I am excited to invite you to join me for a significant milestone in my educational journey. On Thursday, March 27, at 5:00 pm, I will defend my dissertation "Exploring how Principals Use Emotional Intelligence and Effective Communication in Post-Pandemic Schools: A Qualitative Study." A dissertation is an in-depth research project required to earn a doctoral degree. It represents years of study, research, and writing to contribute new knowledge to the field. This aligns perfectly with our 3E pathway, where we encourage students to explore their future in Education, Enlistment, or Employment. As your superintendent, I know that change and learning are constant. I strive to model lifelong learning and innovation to improve our educational system. I would be honored to have our educational community watch my defense and see your superintendent as a student, too—nervous yet excited about this culminating academic challenge—a Doctor of Education degree in Global Training and Development. Your presence via Zoom would mean the world to me. I aim to demonstrate to viewers that you can achieve your academic dreams with dedication and support. Thursday, March 27, 2025, 5:00 pm. Join Zoom Meeting: https://nu.zoom.us/j/98582425434?pwd=ibJg2lRqvTRaF7rWvIUDJi9rtgpeE6.1 Meeting ID: 985 8242 5434 Passcode: 548805 With gratitude, Atiya Y. Perkins. (Soon to be Dr. Perkins!). Superintendent of Schools.

Superintendent's Spotlight Message - 03/23/2025. Dear Linden Families, As we recognize the conclusion of Ramadan this Saturday, I wish our families peace as we continue to support our diverse students in their important cultural and religious observances. Additionally, our End of the Year Calendar was approved during last Thursday's Board of Education meeting. Please review the important dates below to be prepared for all upcoming events and activities as we approach the conclusion of the academic year. Online safety remains a top priority for our district. If you are concerned about your teen’s social media use, I was featured on SmartSocial.com to help our community understand the emotional and behavioral impact of social media, recognize harmful patterns, and get practical steps to help your child use social media safely and responsibly. Register to watch the replay at https://streamyard.com/watch/eyAnTAaZWAYP through April 1. Take care, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools

𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 & 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧! | 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝟐𝟏 The 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 & 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 invites YOU to experience a vibrant cultural journey at our Cultural Diversity Celebration! 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 🕓 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 𝟒:𝟎𝟎 – 𝟔:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐏𝐃𝐑𝐂 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞? -- Activity Stations: Try your hand at origami, Turkish tap dance, puppet making, rangoli art, Peruvian llamas, henna, and more! -- Food & Drinks: Enjoy a delicious spread of pizza, finger foods, McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks coffee, hot chocolate, cookies, and donuts! -- Celebrate Diversity: Immerse yourself in culture, music, and community connections! 𝐀𝐓&𝐓 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡 -- Connecting Communities: Get valuable info on affordable iPhones and data plans to keep you connected! This is an event for everyone—a time to learn, share, and celebrate the beauty of our diverse community!

Dear Linden Families, Yesterday was International Women's Day during Women's History Month. The educational women in our district are achieving their milestones but are also innovation-driven and future-focused on reshaping the next generation's global landscape. The day is more than a celebration—it is a call to action. A call to uplift, inspire, and empower every woman and girl in our schools and beyond. As educators and leaders, we have the privilege and responsibility to shape a future where every girl sees no limits to her potential, and every student understands the power of equality. Let us spark conversations, encourage leadership, and recognize the strength, resilience, and brilliance of the women and girls in our schools and community. Through our words, actions, and daily commitment to inclusivity, we ensure that Linden Public Schools remains a place where all students can thrive, dream big, and break barriers. Continuing the theme of leadership, I am proud to announce that the Linden High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) unit has earned the recognition of being the largest unit in the nation, with an impressive number of close to 600 cadets enrolled in the program. The Linden High School NJROTC unit was established in 1986 and originally had approximately 90 cadets in the first years of its establishment. Our current NJROTC cadet population makes it the largest NJROTC unit in the country. Interesting facts about NJROTC: total NJROTC units nationwide: 641; total cadets nationwide: 70,455 Area 2 NJROTC units (Tri-state): 26, NJ NJROTC units: 19. Our NJROTC Unit has received many awards, especially during our annual military inspection. The cadets of Linden Public Schools perform countless hours of community service throughout our city, county, and state. Students, Cadet Captain Josue Carpio, Regimental Commanding Officer, Cadet Commander Denae Griffin, Regimental Executive Officer, Cadet Master Chief Alonzo Smith, Regimental Command Master Chief, and Cadet Commander Alivia Young-Bey, Regimental Operations Officer under Commander Boye Decker, are recognized for inspiring, educating, and empowering others. Happy Day Light Savings Time. Enjoy the sunlight and rest well this evening. Take care, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools

February 24th is the deadline for the 6th Annual Pomptonian Healthy School Lunch Challenge. See attached for details.

Superintendent’s Spotlight Message – 02/09/2025. Dear Linden Families, Superbowl Sunday Safety: The big game is here today! We are all on the same team, Team Linden. No matter whom you are pulling for this Super Bowl, we are all asking those gathering with friends and family to make the proper choice afterward. Your safety is our number one priority. Those new Senior drivers, be aware of your surroundings as you leave a festive gathering. Mission Possible Monday February 10: We are all cheering for our favorite team, Team Linden. Those who remember the cheer, “Big L Rocks the House,” let us all ROAR together! I celebrate with a focus on food. Food brings out the best conversations with family and friends. Let us “Relish Today,” and we can “Ketchup on Monday” together. Yes, we have school on Monday, where all faculty and staff wear “Tiger Pride Mission Possible Monday,” shirts to empower our R.O.A.R. Inclement Weather Preparation: I have read that the Groundhog predicted six more weeks of Winter this year. Most of the Winter weather will arrive Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week. Please monitor the weather forecasts for this week and prepare for potential disruptions during the school day. I continue to meet with our inclement weather committee, including City Officials. I will update you on adjustments necessary for the school day or after-school activities due to the weather. As you watch the weather forecasts, talk to new drivers to review driving hazards in snow, sleet, and ice. Take care, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools

DELAYED OPENING - 02/05/2025. Dear Linden Families, Due to the inclement weather conditions, all Linden Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delayed opening on Thursday, February 6, 2025. See the table below with the start times for each school. • Busses will operate two hours from the original pick-up time. • There is no before care when there is a delayed opening. • Parents and Guardians of Union County Vocational-Technical Schools refer to the (UCVTS) Transportation in Inclement Weather form. We will continue to monitor this event, and you will be informed if we must change to an entire school closure, including canceling all after-school events if needed. Remain safe and be well, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent's Spotlight Message 02/04/2025 - Dear Linden Families, The June 2025 primary election day has been changed statewide from Tuesday, June 3, 2025, to Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The Board of Education approved this revision to the 2024-2025 school calendar at the January 30 board meeting. The revised calendar has been shared through email and can also be found on our district's website at https://lindenps.org/calendar/ Take care, and thank you for your flexibility, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent's Spotlight Message 02/02/2025 - Dear Linden Families, As we step into February, our district is buzzing with excitement! From celebrating Black History Month to reaching the 100th day of school, we are reminded of our students and staff’s daily achievements by empowering their R.O.A.R. Honoring Black History Month. Throughout February, our schools will host vibrant celebrations that honor African Americans’ rich history and contributions. We invite our entire school community to participate in these meaningful events, including: • Poetry Readings & Essay Competitions – Showcasing student creativity and voices. • Live Performances & Arts Showcases – Bringing history to life through music, dance, and drama. • Distinguished African American Recognition – Honoring trailblazers who paved the way for future generations. Progress Reports, Report Cards, and ½ of day of School. • Elementary Progress Reports were sent home on January 29. Please take a moment to review them and reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions. • Middle & High School Report Cards will be distributed on February 6. • Wednesday, February 5, is a ½ day with lunch served for Staff In-Service Day. 100 Days of Excellence! On February 13, we celebrate 100 days of learning, growth, and success! This milestone is a testament to our students and staff’s hard work. Throughout the day, we’ll shine a spotlight on: Academics | Arts | Athletics | Leadership | Community Partnerships Inclusive Events | Staff Excellence | Infrastructure | Service Projects We’re also excited to partner with the City of Linden as it marks its charter anniversary, strengthening the bond between our schools and the community we serve. February is a month of inspiration, reflection, and celebration. Thank you for participating in this incredible journey—let’s make the next 100 days even more remarkable! Take care, Atiya Y. Perkins. Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent's Spotlight Message - 01/26/2025. Dear Linden Families, At Linden Public Schools, our commitment is to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and protected. In challenging times, this commitment becomes even more vital. Recent discussions about potential federal policies targeting immigrant families have raised significant concerns nationwide. On behalf of the Linden Board of Education, we want to reaffirm our stance: Linden Public Schools will always be a haven for every student, regardless of their background or immigration status. Linden's strength lies in the diversity and contributions of every community member. By law, every child has the right to a public education, and we uphold this fundamental principle. Immigration status will never determine a student's access within our district. If the national dialogue around immigration enforcement brings uncertainty or fear, we are here to help. Our school counselors, teachers, administrators, and Welcome Center staff are ready to provide support. To ensure we are fully prepared to meet the needs of our students and families, I have established a proactive committee with the Director of our Multi-Language Learners Department dedicated to addressing the potential impacts of federal immigration policies. Our goal is to protect the stability and well-being of our students while creating a comprehensive plan to address these challenges with care and compassion. We assess our community's challenges and concerns and develop protocols to provide students and families with social, emotional, academic, and logistical support. We also coordinate with City Officials, the New Jersey Department of Education, and education experts to offer resources and guidance. We encourage you to contact your child's school office or our Welcome Center's Department if you need assistance. We also invite our community partners, local organizations, and all who share our values to join us in standing united for the dignity and rights of every family. Together, we can ensure Linden Public Schools remains a district that promotes equity, compassion, and inclusion. Take care, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools Linden Public Schools

NJ Stride 2025 Virtual Job Fair

Superintendent's Spotlight Message - 01/18/2025. Dear Linden Families, As we continue into the new year, I want to share a few important updates and reminders: • Schools Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day All Linden Public Schools will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This national holiday is a time to honor Dr. King's legacy of service, equality, and justice. • Winter Weather Advisory As we prepare to return on Tuesday, January 21, we anticipate frigid temperatures after snowfall today. Please dress warmly, and ensure your children are dressed appropriately for the winter. • Health and Wellness Reminder As always, if you or your child are feeling unwell, we encourage you to stay home until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours. Your health and well-being are our priority, and we appreciate your cooperation in helping prevent the spread of illness. • Looking Back at the New Year’s Start o As we reflect on the first two weeks of January, I am especially thankful for the positive energy across our schools. On January 8, we celebrated Tiger Pride Day by pressing the pause button for our first-ever Wellness Day. Students and staff came together to focus on mindfulness, self-care, and the importance of mental and physical wellness. o On January 9, we proudly celebrated National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at School No. 4. We were honored to welcome Chief of Police David Hart, alongside members of the Superior Officers Association and the Linden Police Benevolent Association (PBA). Their presence not only brought excitement to the students but also symbolized the department’s commitment to promoting strong community ties. Thank you for your continued partnership in making Linden Public Schools a place where students R.O.A.R. Let’s embrace the rest of the winter season with Tiger Pride! Take care, and stay warm, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent's Spotlight Message - 01/05/2025. Dear Linden Families, With Winter weather on the horizon, the possibility of snow days is upon us. As a district, we understand that deciding to open or close schools significantly affects our Linden families. Please save this letter for future reference. Take some time with your family to plan if there is a need for childcare if our District should have a delayed opening, early dismissal, or full-day school closure. When weather is a concern, we aim to ensure our families are updated with timely and accurate information. We utilize several tools to communicate information regarding weather-related delays, dismissals, or closings. If you utilize the Linden Public Schools before/after care, or 21st Century, please remember that if school is closed, these services will also be closed; if school opening is delayed, they will also be delayed. Keep in mind Union County Vocational-Technical Schools operate on a different schedule. Students attending UCTVS will be contacted about delayed early dismissal or full-day school closure. PreK 3/4 students attending external providers are to follow the Linden Public School’s delays, dismissals, or closings. I receive updated forecasts from the City of Linden Office of Emergency Management and the National Weather forecasting system. I am in touch with our district security, maintenance supervisors, and the City of Linden, as information is fluid in terms of road conditions, to discuss the weather and any safety concerns associated with it that might impact the school day in terms of getting students and staff to school and home safely. The Linden DPW and district crews will work to create safe access to all buses and buildings; however, as mentioned, I get regularly updated forecasts from our Emergency Services partners. If we must change our daily schedule, we will do our best to communicate a decision to families via phone, email, and text before 6:00 AM. It will also be posted on the website. If you do not hear anything via phone/email/text or see anything on the website, then school is open, and staff and students should report at their regular time. We have many LHS Seniors who are new drivers (I also have one) - PLEASE review winter driving with them: accelerating and decelerating slowly and make sure they clear ALL the snow from their vehicles before using them, including the car's roof. The district believes that our students are better served academically and socially by being in school. When deciding about weather-related schedule changes, our top priority is ensuring that our students and staff are safe. Although safety is important to us, we respect your decision to keep your child/yourself at home if you feel conditions are unsafe. Take care, and stay warm, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent's Message - 12/22/2024. Dear Linden Families, I wish everyone a joyful and peaceful break as we approach the Winter break. We have important updates and reminders for the upcoming break: • Tomorrow, December 23rd, will be a half-day with no lunch service. • School will be closed on December 24th–26th, 31st, and January 1st. Students will return on Thursday, January 2nd. During the break, our Buildings and Grounds Department will be active. Offices will be open on December 27th and 30th. High School Athletics will continue, and we wish them success in their competitions. With the onset of winter weather, my thoughts are filled with warm wishes for everyone, hoping that all are surrounded by love and cheer. We are grateful for the generosity shown through our district-wide food drives, coat drives, and toy drives. This season prompts us to pause and give straight from the heart. I appreciate how our administrators, support staff, and teachers do this daily. Their efforts are appreciated, and we are progressing with gratitude and ROAR pride. Let us celebrate our mission of providing a nurturing learning environment for all our students. On behalf of the Linden Board of Education, have a safe and enjoyable Winter break filled with love, reflection, and thankfulness: Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and Happy Kwanzaa to those who celebrate. Take care, and may the New Year bring prosperity, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools

WINTER BREAK Starts Monday, December 23rd. School re-opens January 2nd, 2025. Monday, December 23rd will be a half day with no lunch served.

Wednesday, January 8th 2025 is TIGER PRIDE WELLNESS DAY! Game on with Social and Emotional Wellness Activities! LETS R.O.A.R. --- empower Resilience, Opportunities, Achievement & Relationships. Show your Tiger Pride by wearing our district colors!

How To Access Your Child's Report Card - 12/11/2024

Dear Parent/Guardian, We are excited to introduce the HELPme app -- a 24/7 support system for students, families, and school employees. The HELPme app empowers every member of our school community to seek support whenever they need it, while remaining completely anonymous! Whether it’s a safety or security concern, a student battling bullying, a family in need of food or shelter, or anyone facing a personal challenge – HELPme is here to support us. The HELPme app provides three ways for our school community to ask for and receive help: • GET RESOURCES is a safe space for users to explore essential needs and wellness resources at their own pace. It provides a confidential way to connect with local resources, ensuring privacy and dignity for those seeking assistance. • CRISIS TEXT LINE provides users with immediate mental health support. With a network of 27,000+ trained crisis counselors, users can text with a counselor (day or night), making sure no one feels isolated in their time of need. Counselors are available 24/7, 365 days of the year. • ASK FOR HELP is an anonymous communication channel between users and designated school personnel. It allows users to request help directly from their school without the pressure of disclosing their identity. We encourage all parents to download the app and discuss the app with your child. Emphasize the importance of using it responsibly. The app is also available on student devices and the link has been placed on our district website www.lindenps.org. HELPme is not only a support system for your children, but also for YOU. Getting Started with HELPme: 1. Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. 2. Select your school from the dropdown menu or enter the code provided by the school. 3. Accept the Terms & Conditions. This resource will facilitate communication and provide an outlet for students and parents to reach out for support. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. Take Care, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent